Nonthaburi: The Thai U-12 boys' and girls' tennis teams have successfully secured their spots for the 2026 Asian Championships. The regional qualifying rounds for the prestigious 2026 ITF Asia Twelve and Under Team Competition concluded at the National Tennis Development Center, Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi Province.
According to Thai News Agency, in the men's team event, Thailand faced a tough challenge against Indonesia in the final. Teeraporn Soraprasit earned the first point for Thailand by defeating Indonesia's Al Sauki Gio Asmara in a thrilling comeback victory, with scores of 6-7 (3-7 tiebreak), 7-5, and 6-2. Despite this early lead, Thailand's Oliver Benzen Berghaut was defeated by Reso Tanujoyo in a closely contested match, leveling the score at 1-1. The decisive doubles match could not proceed due to heavy rain and was subsequently canceled after nightfall, resulting in a draw. Consequently, no champion or runner-up was declared. Vietnam secured third place by defeating Malaysia 2-0.
In the women's team event, Team Thailand competed against Team Singapore for third place. Pakjira Horlertsakul gave Thailand the lead by narrowly defeating Alicia Yao 2-1 in sets. Wimuttiya Pongnu, recently recovered from illness, delivered an impressive performance against Lu Ya Victoria Press Leh, winning in straight sets and securing a 2-0 victory for Thailand. This result earned the team third place, with Singapore finishing in fourth. Malaysia emerged victorious in the women's final, defeating Indonesia 2-1.
As a result of their performances, the boys' teams from Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, along with the girls' teams from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, will represent the Southeast Asian region at the 2026 ITF Asia Twelve and Under Team Competition Finals in Singapore from September 15-20.
Mr. Suchai Pornchaisakudom, President of the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage, expressed gratitude to the athletes and staff of the Thai national team for their dedication. He congratulated the athletes on their selection to represent Thailand at the 2026 Asian Championships and extended his best wishes to athletes from other countries for their safe travels.
Certificates of honor were presented to the athletes by Mr. Jonathan Stupps of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and Mr. Sunil Gill of the Asian Tennis Federation (ATF).
The Thai boys' team includes players Oliver Benzen Berghout, Theer Soraprasit, and Pratthakorn Pachirat, coached by Sergeant Major Sahat Suphakit. The girls' team comprises Wimuttiya Pongnu, Pakjira Horlertsakul, and Loretta Lee Ebarhamson, coached by Itthipol Srisen. Anuchit Rueankon serves as the assistant coach for both teams, with Boonmee Phoipaijit as the trainer.